module specification

This module provides students with opportunities to become aware of the essential communication and study skills necessary to undertake an undergraduate degree in Business, and enables their development.  It is also designed to introduce and reinforce essential transferable skills with a focus on personal development, planning and reflective learning.

Standard university entry requirements for Level 3

The specific aims of the module are:

• to enhance and develop students’ communication and study skills in preparation for an undergraduate degree in Business
• to develop self-awareness, and introduce the concept of reflective practice and to allow students to develop into effective reflective practitioners
• to introduce students to researching subject material from a wide variety of sources
• to create in students a keen awareness of the business environment and to develop creative and dynamic approaches to contemporary business problems

The module also aims to assist students in the acquisition of the following skills:
Academic reading and Writing
Researching and report writing
Application of knowledge
Communicating and presenting orally and in writing
Problem solving and decision making
Self-assessment and reflection
Creativity
Collaborating and working with others
Commercial awareness.

Indicative content is indicated below and will enable achievement of the learning outcomes.

1. Skills and techniques for business and academic contexts
2. Academic reading, note making and writing, including Harvard referencing
3. Communication skills with a focus on oral presentation skills
4. Selecting and analysing information for business;
5. Creative thinking and problem solving
6. Working in groups
7. Identifying the attitudes skills and dispositions associated with employability for business
8. Developing self-awareness through understanding, using and developing reflective practice in preparation for undergraduate study and beyond

This module will be delivered through weekly 3-hour workshops.   The workshop sessions will be designed to enable students to develop as learners.   In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in practical and other activities that will link their learning to their understanding, and experience, of business.  

The workshop activities will be dynamic and varied and will require students to work both individually and in groups.  They will be designed to improve key skills and to enable students to become self-aware as learners as well as focus on their future careers. It is envisaged that the classroom and other experience will foster in students a desire to continue their studies and improve their self-development.

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a wide range of effective communication skills including business presentation skills;
2. take responsibility for the  development of their approaches to learning, demonstrate an ability to formulate successful strategies for future learning success and reflect effectively on their current position and future direction in a number of contexts
3. work successfully  in groups with other students, using written, oral and interpersonal skills
4. research subject material from a wide range of sources and propose solutions to contemporary business problems using creative and dynamic approaches

The assessment is designed to address the module learning outcomes and provide feedback to students to help them develop their skills throughout the module. Assessment has three components as shown below.

Pedlar, M. Burgoyne, J. and Boydell T. (2006) A Manager's Guide to Self-Development, McGraw Hill
Burns, T. & Sinfield. S. (2008) Essential Study Skills: The Complete Guide to Success at University, 2nd edition, London, Sage
Cameron, S. (2009) The Business Student's Handbook: Learning Skills for Study and Employment, 5th edition, Prentice Hall
Cottrell, S. (2008) The Study Skills Handbook, Palgrave MacMillan
Lowes, R. Peters, H. & Turner, M. (2004) The International Student's Guide: Studying English at University, Sage Publications